To the Editor:

I’m writing this letter to openly and publicly express my gratitude for the New York State AMVETS as well as the AMVETS Post 265 located in Parishville.

I’m a local student entering my fifth and final year of my education at SUNY Potsdam, having completed my undergraduate degree and nearing the completion of my masters degree. As a student at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School, my local AMVETS Post 265 was heavily involved in my education and my schooling.

Every single year, the AMVETS Post 265 found a unique way to contribute to my education. In my early years, they facilitated coloring contests, where they gave scholarships to the contest winners.

As I grew older, these coloring contests became essay contests about Americanism and about the values that AMVETS hope to instill in their local communities - to quote their mission statement - through leadership, advocacy, and service.

As I grew even older, my local AMVETS Post 265 provided me with the resources and encouragement to apply for state-level AMVETS scholarships - as the local members knew that my now-late grandfather and my father both served in the military, making me eligible to apply for them.

My point is that the AMVETS, at the national level, the state level, and most importantly, the local level, is incredibly invested in the lives of the young people of our country. This organization has made an unbelievable difference in my life and my education.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to, I highly recommend donating to your local AMVETS.

I can attest to their unwavering dedication to serving their local communities, and know that any donation to this organization is a direct investment in the betterment of your community.

I cannot overstate how much I appreciate my local AMVETS Post 265 and the AMVETS organization as a whole, and sincerely hope my friends and neighbors truly understand how much this organization gives back to their communities.

Tanner Wilson

Parishville-Hopkinton Central graduate